The Former Steel Pillar Factory in 2577 Longhua Road was built in 1874, and is listed in the Third Group of Excellent Historical Architecture of Shanghai.

The general layout of the land block reserves the typical feature of military factories in the early years of twentieth century, i.e. row-column layout. There are 9 historical buildings in the yard, mainly one-storey rectangle workshop, with various size according to different production functions.

In 1870, Li Hongzhang, one of the reformists in early modern history of China, ordered Ding Richang, Feng Guangjun etc start establishing the Longhua Gunpowder Plant at the north side of Long Hua Temple, and be completed in 1874, renamed as Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau Longhua Branch. After 1949, it belonged to No.1 Branch Plant of Ordnance Department of Nanjing Military Command, then was renamed as No.7317 Plant of People’s Liberation Army. Now is the 2577 Creative Yard.

Opening Hours: June.14,2008 9:00-11:00 13:00-16:00     June.15,2008 9:00-11:00 13:00-16:00